Bondi Beach, Sydney — and the man who stepped forward
Compared to Sydney, Pemberton is quiet. The pace of the days are different. Sydney and Pemberton are both beautiful, but in very different ways.
Even in quiet places, the news arrives quickly. Yesterday, violence near Bondi Beach shook Sydney and the nation. In Australia, events of this scale are rare, and when they happen they disrupt a sense of safety we often take for granted.
It is even more confronting that this attack was directed at Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah. Hate like this has no place in our society.
In moments like this Australia reflects, not only on grief but on responsibility. I am grateful to be living in Australia—not because it is perfect, but because there remains an expectation that words alone are not enough. We expect government will act, and that people will demand accountability…or they will elect a government that will act.
In saying this, change is not easy. There will be disagreements. But there will be no soldiers on the streets, or masked agents detaining people without due process. That is not who we are.
Then there is courage. One individual stepped forward and saved lives, without expectation or recognition. That quiet act stands in sharp contrast to violence and hate. How we honour him—how we care for this new, living national treasure—says something enduring about who we are.
Reflection travels easily. And for all its imperfections, this remains a country where hate is rejected, courage is recognised, and the responsibility to do better is shared.
This, to me, that is the Australian way.
Being Arthur 